LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol on Thursday activated 12 motorist assistance centers (MACs) along the region's national road to assist those participating in the Traslacion procession, one of the highlights of the Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City, on Friday.
In a statement, DPWH Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte said the 12 MACs were strategically installed along Maharlika Highway, three of these in Albay; two in Camarines Norte; five in Camarines Sur; and two in Sorsogon, to provide efficient and timely assistance to motorists and commuters traveling to and from Naga City.
"District engineers of Albay, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, and Camarines Norte to make sure that all roads, particularly those leading to the pilgrimage site, should undergo thorough maintenance and equipped with essential informational and directional, regulatory, and warning signs," Eduarte said.
The DPWH-5 Maintenance Division will also deploy roving teams to closely monitor the entire road sections of the national highway in the Bicol Region to ensure travelers' safety and convenience along the highway.
The Camarines Sur MACs will cater to pilgrims from Sept. 12-24 while Albay, Camarines Norte, and Sorsogon MACs will be operational from Sept. 20-24.
Meanwhile, Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO5) Regional Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon led the deployment of over 5,000 security personnel for the Peñafrancia in Naga on Thursday afternoon, reminding them of the critical importance of maximum tolerance, particularly in managing the large crowds expected to flood the streets of the city.
He also highlighted the necessity of heightened vigilance given the potential for any untoward incidents or security concerns that may arise during the event.
“The safety and security of our people, especially during major religious and cultural events such as the Peñafrancia Festival, remain our top priority. Through our collective efforts, we will uphold the peace, order, and spiritual sanctity of this sacred tradition," he added.
This year's celebration commemorates the centenary of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia with the theme “Se siempre la Reina! ", which translates to “Be Always the Queen!” (PNA)
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